Top Wicket!

Over 200 business professionals celebrated their achievements in the Sellick Partnership’s inaugural Manchester Professionals’ Cricket League 2009 at an award ceremony at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. Guest speaker at the glitzy October event was BBC Cricket Correspondent Jonathan Agnew pictured below with fundraiser Wendy Bray. The Sellick Partnership’s Professionals’ Cricket League raised a fantastic £5,000 which was shared between St Ann’s Hospice and The Lords’ Taverners.

Balloon Race

Our successful 2009 balloon race took place at the home of Sale Sharks – Edgeley Park in Stockport.   Fly Half and long-time hospice supporter, Charlie Hodgson pictured with fundraiser Liz Greenwood released the balloons prior to the start of a match against Bath Rugby.  The event raised in excess of £44,000 

Football Crazy

Soap stars scored a big goal for St Ann’s Hospice when they took part in an action-packed match in front of 500 fans. Thanks to Keith Stott from the British Legion who organised this in memory of his wife who died in our Little Hulton hospice site.

Actors from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and The Royle Family graced the turf at Monton Football Club to raise £1,000. Among those representing the All-Star Team which played a team from Walkden British Legion, was Corrie actor Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, The Royle Family’s Ralf Little (pictured opposite) and five members of the Hollyoaks cast.

The match ended 5-3 to the All-Star side.

Curry Night

More than 90 diners enjoyed an exotic Indian meal followed by live entertainment at the Sangam Restaurant in Heald Green. The evening, organised by restaurant manager Salim, raised £1,460 for St Ann’s Hospice. Guests were entertained by comedian Fred Fielder, singer Johnny More and comic entertainer Billy Bedlam.

Balls and Bikes

Well done to regulars at the Walkden Legion who held their annual snooker match to raise funds for the hospice. Winner of trophy, Derek Gresty, is pictured with fundraiser Margaret Beck. And for getting on their bikes, a big thanks to HMS Manchester who took part in a Charity Cycle Ride from Portsmouth to Liverpool plus Armitage Social Club who did a sponsored bike ride from Blackpool back to the Social Club, raising £2,400.

Golfing Glory

Bramall Park Golf Club’s 2009 Captain, Tim Greenwood, chose to support St Ann’s Hospice throughout his year as captain.  His fundraising committee included Alan Dodd and Andy Clarke.  Over the year, Tim and the club raised a fantastic £14,075. The club has raised more than £67,000 for the hospice over the years.

Jennifer’s Fund

Geoff Little’s wife Jennifer died at our Little Hulton hospice site in January 2009. Since then her tribute fund has already raised more than £1,500. Geoff himself has done a sky dive to raise money, a feat he is planning to do again this year with his son. His other son recently completed the Great North Swim and is now looking to do the Great North Run.

“Jen was so happy at St Ann’s,” says Geoff. “She had been in hospital and hated it but once she got to St Ann’s, it was completely different. This is our way of saying thanks and giving something back.”

Thanks also to the following for setting up Tribute Funds in memory of their loved ones:

Joanne Omorere in memory of her husband, Phillip
Cheryl Thomas in memory of her husband, David
Paul Webster in memory of his father, Noel

For information about setting up a Tribute Fund contact Liz Greenwood on 0161 498 3621 or email egreenwood@sah.org.uk

Doing it in Didsbury

Didsbury residents certainly did their bit for St Ann’s Hospice in 2009. More than £3,000 was raised at the popular Didsbury Open Gardens Festival in June. Thousands attended the hugely enjoyable Didsbury Beer Festival at the end of October and organisers will shortly be making a cheque presentation to hospice staff.

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